Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy, the trail manager, has already developed about 60 miles of the scenic rail-trail using donated funds and volunteers. The additional funds will be used for Phase II of the project which stretches between US 75 and Admire.

Phase I, which extends between Osawatomie and US 75, is in the design phase now and construction will start late summer or early fall. Funds will be used to install a hard-packed, crushed limestone surface suitable for bicycles, wheelchairs and horses, plus signage, railing, decking and repair of bridges, culvert repair and other necessary upgrades.

The combined grants will essentially be sufficient to complete the trail from Osawatomie to Council Grove, a distance of 90 miles.

The Kanza Rail-Trail Conservancy’s Fall 2014 newsletter is available for viewing online, with news about the Flint Hills Nature Trail and Landon Nature Trail.

The Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy (KRTC) manages the Flint Hills Nature Trail and the Landon Nature Trail, converting these former rail lines into non-motorized public trails and wildlife areas across Kansas. We are a grassroots, non-profit organization of local volunteers.

More than 97 percent (of horse riders) said they'd be interested in a trail ride through the Flint Hills. About 70 percent (of out-of-state riders) said they'd be interested in attending some weeklong horseback rally in the Flint Hills. Think what that could do.